U.S. Economy Can Stand More Interest Rate Hikes

Dan Economy

A new report indicates the U.S. economy can stand more interest rate hikes. Mark Oppold has more details. Sponsored ContentWhat Sets Provysol® Fungicide ApartJuly 8, 2025CIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2025Nuseed Carinata Covers New GroundOctober 1, 2024

Weather Conditions Could Affect Gasoline Prices

Dan Biofuels/Energy, Economy, Weather

As we know, it is hurricane season. And as Mark Oppold reports, many are watching the tropics on a regular basis. One reason why is because if something develops, gasoline prices could be affected. Sponsored ContentWhat Sets Provysol® Fungicide ApartJuly 8, 2025CIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2025Nuseed Carinata Covers New GroundOctober 1, 2024

Best May Ever for U.S. Agricultural Export Values

Dan Economy, Exports/Imports

May was another stellar month for U.S. agricultural export sales. But a story from Gary Crawford looks at whether this year’s agricultural exports reach the record high levels being projected. Sponsored ContentWhat Sets Provysol® Fungicide ApartJuly 8, 2025CIR Agriculture Harvester ProductsJuly 1, 2025Nuseed Carinata Covers New GroundOctober 1, 2024

War in Ukraine Takes Increasing Toll in Food Inflation, Global Hunger

Dan Economy, Exports/Imports

The warning signs are growing that Russia’s war on Ukraine will increase hunger and mass starvation this fall, especially in Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. Arizona Rep. David Schweikert’s fears in March that war in Ukraine would lead to increased hunger and starvation are now being confirmed by news reports and global food groups—warnings that started in …

Farmers Received Smaller Share of Price for Fresh Tomatoes in 2021

Dan Economy, Specialty Crops, Vegetables

The farm share of the retail price of fresh, field-grown tomatoes—the ratio of what farmers received to what consumers paid—fell from 43 percent in 2020 to 36 percent in 2021. While the national, monthly average price of such tomatoes at grocery stores fell 11 cents to $1.85 per pound in 2021, the monthly average price received by farmers simultaneously fell …

Farmer Optimism Remains Weak

Dan Economy

The Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer continued lower in June, down two points to a reading of 97. The barometer’s Index of Future Expectations also dropped, falling five points to a reading of 95, the lowest level since 2016. But producers were slightly more optimistic about their current conditions, as the Index of Current Conditions rose five points to …

USDA-Cost of a Home-Grilled Cheeseburger up from 2021

Dan Beef, Economy, This Land of Ours, USDA-ERS

Grilling season is underway, and the cost of the homemade cheeseburger is going up. That’s today’s This Land of Ours. Home-grilled cheeseburgers, a summer cookout staple, will cost consumers more this summer. USDA’s Economic Research Service says the ingredients for a home-prepared 1/4-pound cheeseburger totaled $2.07 per burger, with ground beef making up the largest cost at $1.20. This represents …

Consumer Confidence in Farmers is High

Dan Agri-Business, Economy

In a new survey conducted by the Alliance for Food and Farming (AFF), 76% of consumers said they have confidence in farmers to protect produce safety. Government agencies are also trusted by consumers, according to the survey. Despite media reports and public statements to the contrary, 78% percent of survey participants responded they were confident in regulatory systems in place …